A protege of singer Edith Piaf, Montand gained international recognition for his role in the thriller The Wages of Fear (1953) and made his U.S. film debut opposite Marilyn Monroe in Let's Make Love (1960). Hs starred in several European and U.S. films, often costarring with his wife, Simone Signoret. Two of his most remarkable performances came late in his career: Jean de Florette (1986) and Manon of the Spring (1986).